After all, Aurora’s looks were a natural advantage. Having her talk about architecture and design on the show was practically free publicity for the program.Â
Still, Aurora had her own condition–she was here as a living banner to promote her studio.Â
That had been part of their agreement from the beginning. They both knew it, even if neither had said it aloud.Â
Thinking of this, the director didn’t see any problem with it.Â
They’d already settled everything in advance.Â
Besides, with how impressive Aurora’s performance had been so far, he couldn’t have asked for a better collaborator.Â
Having someone like her on the show was a blessing, not a burden.Â
But then, his thoughts drifted to Yvonne, and worry began to creep in again.Â
“Have you thought about how to deal with Yvonne?” he asked cautiously,Â
He was nervous–this was a new show, still in its early stages. Any public conflict could hurt its future.Â
“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’ve noticed Yvonne sometimes goes out of her way to target you.”Â
He sighed, conflicted. “But you understand how it is–the show’s still finding its footing. We need time to build momentum, and I just hope you can be a little patient with us when things get tense.”Â
After saying that, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.Â
Then a flicker of anxiety returned—what if Aurora got upset at his words?Â
For a moment, he didn’t know how to feel.Â
“Miss Walton, please don’t be angry,” he added quickly. “I’m really in a difficult spot here. I just hope you understand where I’m coming from.”Â
Even as he said it, the director couldn’t help but feel he was trying to play both sides.Â
But he had no other choice,Â
For the sake of his show, this was the only way.Â
“Mr. Smith, you’re overthinking it,” Aurora said calmly.Â
“I’d never take it that way. Of course, I understand the position you’re in. Honestly, hearing you say this makes me feel a little guilty instead.”Â
She paused for a moment, then continued, “Don’t worry, I know my boundaries. I’m well aware that I can’t let personal conflicts affect the show. If I really did that, then being here would lose all meaning for me.”Â
Hearing her say that, the director felt a rush of relief and gratitude.Â
He hadn’t expected Aurora to be so understanding, especially after he’d spent the last few days second–guessing her intentions.Â
The thought made him feel a little ashamed.Â
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“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have misjudged you.Â
“See? You’re doing it again,” Aurora replied, feigning annoyance.Â
“I already told you, there’s no need to apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong. If anything, I’ve been the one causing trouble.Â
“Honestly, if it weren’t for me, Yvonne probably wouldn’t even have joined the show.”Â
“That’s not true. As long as we can get through today’s filming smoothly, everything will be fine. And if the judges give feedback later, you…‘Â
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He didn’t finish the sentence, but Aurora already understood exactly what he meant.Â
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